Riddle me this… Jesse Dunford Wood
Up close and personal with the chef and owner of Parlour
If you knew then what you know now… would you still do it?
Probably yes. It has been a hard slog so far, but have enjoyed every step of it. And they do say if it doesn’t kill you it will make you stronger.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Concentrate on your craft. People are desperate to go out there and make it, but make sure you learn your skill properly before going it out alone.
What’s the weirdest rumour you’ve ever heard about yourself?
I heard I was going to get fired from a job. A week later I got called to a ‘Meeting’..
What was your biggest break?
I got my first head Chef Job at 28, after a casual chat with Oliver Peyton (of BBC’s Great British Menu Fame) at his house, he offered me a job on the spot, and I accepted. It was a punt on both sides.
Do you consider yourself lucky?
You earn luck and the more you practice the luckier you become. Luck is actually a myth.
What’s most important in your life?
Family will always be there, the business will not be there one day. Saying that..
My family and business go hand in hand. I live upstairs from the business and both are fairly intertwined.
What brands do you admire?
I love Dove soap, Vans shoes, and the amazing Rational oven and control induction stoves I have in the kitchen.
Do you have a guilty pleasure – if so what is it?
I love chocolate bars and I love a greasy spoon. Both are secret things on rare time to myself, away from business and family.
Also love Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!
Describe your personal sense of style.
I would say I aspire to classic and elegant, never a desperate follower of fashion per se, I am actually a tiny bit obsessed with the cowboy fashion style, and that will never go out. 
Enquiries: Parlour, 5 Regent Street, Kensal Green, London, NW10 5LG/ 0208 969 2184/ www.parlourkensal.com